Effect of Photobiomodulation on Ecchymosis after Rhinoplasty: A Randomized Single-Blind Controlled Trial

Overview

Bruising around the eyes is a visible and unwelcome consequence of rhinoplasty. Photobiomodulation, also called low-level laser therapy, uses red and infrared light at intensities too low to heat tissue. This randomized single-blind trial tested whether it reduces that bruising.

Sections of note

• 60 rhinoplasty candidates were randomly divided into two groups.
• The treatment group received photobiomodulation on the first postoperative day.
• Light used comprised red light at 660 nm, infrared light at 840 nm, and an infrared laser.
• The outcome assessed was periorbital bruising.
• Low-power laser reduced bruising significantly, p 0.005.
• The authors conclude photobiomodulation may be effectively used for reducing bruising after rhinoplasty.
• Level of evidence II; trial registration IRCT20080820001056N3. The abstract gives no numeric bruising scores or assessment timings.

What it means for a patient

• A single light treatment on the day after surgery reduced visible bruising in this trial.
• The light does not heat or cut tissue; it is applied to the skin surface.
• Limits: 60 patients in two groups of 30, single-blind so only the assessor was masked, one center, and no numeric scores or timings reported in the abstract.
• Swelling was not among the reported outcomes.

Why this paper matters

Bruising determines how soon a patient can appear in public, and non-drug measures avoid the side effects of steroids or antifibrinolytics. A registered randomized trial gives this more weight than most such reports. The absence of effect size and timing detail in the abstract limits interpretation.

Terms

• Photobiomodulation: Applying low-intensity red or infrared light to tissue to influence healing.
• Low-level laser therapy: Another name for the same treatment.
• Periorbital: Around the eye.
• Ecchymosis: Bruising under the skin.
• Single-blind: Only one side, usually the assessor, is unaware of the treatment assignment.